Migrant Mother
Unveiling the Story Behind Dorothea Lange's Iconic "Migrant Mother"
Dorothea Lange's "Migrant Mother" is a photograph that has left an indelible mark on history, capturing the essence of the Great Depression and the plight of migrant workers in the United States. The image of a strong yet weary mother with her children has become an enduring symbol of resilience and human struggle. However, behind this iconic photograph lies a poignant and often overlooked story that adds a deeper layer of significance to its legacy.
The woman in the photograph was Florence Owens Thompson, a 32-year-old mother of seven children living in a camp for pea pickers in Nipomo, California, when Dorothea Lange encountered her in February 1936. At the time, Thompson and her family were among the thousands of migrant workers displaced by the economic hardships of the Great Depression and were struggling to make ends meet.
Lange, who was working for the Farm Security Administration (FSA), was on assignment to document the living conditions of migrant workers in California. When she came across Thompson's family at the pea pickers' camp, she was struck by the resilience and hardship etched on the mother's face. Recognizing the raw emotion and human struggle in front of her, Lange captured a series of photographs, with one in particular—depicting Thompson with her children—emerging as the now-famous "Migrant Mother."
The image of "Migrant Mother" quickly gained widespread attention and became an emblematic representation of the challenges faced by migrant workers during the Great Depression. However, despite the photograph's enduring impact and recognition, Thompson and her family initially remained anonymous. It was only years later that Thompson's identity was revealed, and she became associated with the iconic image that had come to symbolize an entire era of American history.
In the years following the photograph's creation, Thompson's life continued to be marked by hardship and resilience. As for any revenue derived from the photograph, it is important to note that Thompson herself did not receive any direct financial compensation from the widespread use and reproduction of "Migrant Mother." The photograph, as a government-commissioned work, was in the public domain and did not afford Thompson any royalties from its reproduction.
Despite this, "Migrant Mother" stands as a testament to the strength and dignity of Florence Owens Thompson and the millions of others who endured the hardships of the Great Depression. The photograph serves as a reminder of the human stories behind historical events and the enduring impact of visual storytelling. Thompson's likeness in "Migrant Mother" has become an enduring symbol of resilience and hardship, immortalized through Dorothea Lange's lens.
As we reflect on the story behind "Migrant Mother," let us remember the individuals whose lives have been immortalized in iconic images and the importance of recognizing their stories and contributions to history. Florence Owens Thompson and Dorothea Lange's collaboration created a powerful and enduring legacy that continues to resonate with audiences around the world, reminding us of the strength and perseverance of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Doretha Lange
Migrant Mother
